All United States Oregon

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Oregon

184 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Oregon

Updated December 1, 2023

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Cities

Top Cities
All Cities
  1. Ashland
  2. Astoria
  3. Baker City
  4. Bend
  5. Cannon Beach
  6. Cave Junction
  7. Corbett
  8. Crater Lake
  9. Eugene
  10. Florence
  11. Klamath Falls
  12. La Pine
  13. Mc Kenzie Bridge
  14. Mc Minnville
  15. Mitchell
  16. Oregon City
  17. Pendleton
  18. Portland
  19. Redmond
  20. Salem
  21. Seaside
  22. Silver Lake
  23. Sisters
  24. The Dalles
  25. Tillamook
  26. Yachats

Unusual Attractions in Oregon

See All 184 Things To Do in Oregon

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Oregon

See all 10 Places to Eat in Oregon
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

A Feminist Road Trip Across the U.S.

Atlas Obscura has a tradition of exploring the stories of women who changed the world, from wildlife biologists and mountain climbers to Civil War spies and tattoo artists. To celebrate these daring women who struck out on their own, we’ve put together a cross-country road trip. Over 12 stops and more than 3,000 miles, this route will give you a front-row seat to women’s history in America.

View Itinerary

Explore Oregon

Geology 20
Nature 19
Natural Wonders 18
Collections 18
Water 17
Plants 17
Ecosystems 13
Museums And Collections 13

Oregon Leaderboard

Recent Oregon Activity

Stories About Oregon

Scientists estimate there are some 4,000 bees native to the United States alone—but many of them are struggling to survive in our warming, pesticide-ridden world.

To Save America's Native Bees, the Oregon Bee Project Is Mapping Every Single One

The project aims to make a complete 'bee atlas,' detailing every single local pollinator.
by Kate Raphael
A sea lamprey that's clearly ready for its close-up—and for a new appreciation of its role in its native ecosystems.

Sea Lampreys, Long Reviled, Are Finally Getting Some Respect

Once dismissed as "ugly," this sucker-mouthed fish plays an important role in its native ecosystem.
by Ted Williams
The top tier of Shizuo and Frances’s wedding cake, which has miraculously survived since they were married in 1943.

Found: An 80-Year-Old Wedding Cake With a Tragic Past

Frances Nishimura preserved this sweet keepsake for generations.
by Natasha Varner
The Large Wave Flume at Oregon's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory hosts an experiment in innovative coastal protection.

The Oregon Lab Where Scientists Are Riding the Waves to a Brighter Future

At the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab in Corvallis, massive simulators allow researchers to test innovative ideas about sustainable energy, saving coastlines, and more.
by Annalee Newitz
A baled Christmas tree is loaded at the Omni Farm in West Jefferson, North Carolina.

What’s the Real Christmas Tree Capital of the World?

At least a half dozen communities in North America have claimed the title. 
by Justin Franz
Harvested fire morels against charred bits of wood.

The Mysterious Mushroom That Only Grows in Burn Scars

To find fire morels, forage after wildfires.
by Elaina Zachos
Residents of Albany, Oregon, have been hand carving the carousel's fanciful animals for 20 years.

The Carousel That Saved a Town

How building a children's attraction rebuilt the community of Albany, Oregon.
by Rebecca Deurlein
The Humongous Fungus is most visible when it produces the edible and tasty honey mushroom, but the season is brief and doesn’t happen every year.

What the World's Largest Organism Reveals About Fires and Forest Health

In Oregon, the Humongous Fungus plays a complex role in an ecosystem reshaped by humans.
by Colin Hogan

Lists Featuring Oregon

Darlingtonia State Natural Site.
An aerial view of the rose garden.
The H-4 Hercules, aka "Spruce Goose."
Pete French Round Barn.

7 of Oregon's Most Magical Places

Sponsored by Travel Oregon
7

Including Darlingtonia State Natural Site, International Rose Test Garden, and The Spruce Goose

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute
The Bigfoot Trap
Outside Hippo Hardware in Portland.
Antler chandelier plus interior of restaurant

7 Destinations for a Different Kind of Oregon Trail

Sponsored by Travel Oregon
7

Including Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, The Bigfoot Trap, and Hippo Hardware

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